SHOPLIFTING IN VIRGINIA
In Virginia, the crime of shoplifting can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. The determination if the charge will be pursued as a misdemeanor or felony is based on the value of the items allegedly taken. The law changed in 2020 to increase the felony threshold to $1,000.00. Being convicted of shoplifting can result in time in jail, a fine, and a criminal record. There are a number of factors to approach when preparing a defense for a shoplifting case. No case is exactly the same, and our lawyers take the time to work with our clients to get the best possible outcome.
Our attorneys regularly handle larcenies of all degrees in Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield, and the Metro Richmond Area. If you are charged with a shoplifting charge contact one of the lawyers at Jurach, Tacey & Quitiquit.
The language of the shoplifting statute can be found codified in Virginia Code §18.2-103. A copy of the law as of the writing of this is posted below.
Concealing or taking possession of merchandise; altering price tags; transferring goods from one container to another; counseling, etc., another in performance of such acts
Whoever, without authority, with the intention of converting goods or merchandise to his own or another’s use without having paid the full purchase price thereof, or of defrauding the owner of the value of the goods or merchandise, (i) willfully conceals or takes possession of the goods or merchandise of any store or other mercantile establishment, or (ii) alters the price tag or other price marking on such goods or merchandise, or transfers the goods from one container to another, or (iii) counsels, assists, aids or abets another in the performance of any of the above acts, when the value of the goods or merchandise involved in the offense is less than $500, shall be guilty of petit larceny and, when the value of the goods or merchandise involved in the offense is $500 or more, shall be guilty of grand larceny. The willful concealment of goods or merchandise of any store or other mercantile establishment, while still on the premises thereof, shall be prima facie evidence of an intent to convert and defraud the owner thereof out of the value of the goods or merchandise.
